Directly related to the general health and hormonal balance of women is the health of the reproductive organs. Any malady occurring in these organs may disturb menstrual cycles, thereby causing more painful and troublesome bleeding. In several instances, the aftermaths could be as serious as infertility in women. Much caution needs to be exercised regarding any problem related to female health, and among them, one of the most common problems females have is myomas. These are growths that develop in the uterus and might result in a serious depreciation in the living quality of many patients.
Understanding Myomas
A myoma or fibroid is a benign tumor of the uterine smooth muscle. Many myomas do not present symptoms for which many women are even unaware of the existence. However, they can further lead to irregular and painful menstruation and cause infertility in a few cases.
Causes of Myomas
While specific causes leading to myoma are not well established, there are a number of factors contributing to their development, including the following:
• Family predisposition: The disease is more likely if the corresponding family background exists.
• Hormonal factor: The incorrect or irregular use of hormonal drugs may provoke the growth of myomas. Such drugs include oral contraceptives.
• Poor diet and lifestyle: A very fatty diet and obesity also contribute to the development of myomas.
• Early menstrual cycle: Early commencement of menstrual cycles leads to a higher risk for myomas.
Symptoms of Myomas
Most myomas are asymptomatic. However, when present they tend to cause considerable health problems which impact a patient’s quality of life. Common symptoms include:
• Menstrual abnormalities
• Increased cramping during menstruation
• Heavy flow during menstrual periods
• Vaginal discomfort/ dyspareunia during intercourse
• Pelvic pressure/ pain
• Incontinence/frequency
• Constipation
• Inability to conceive, or infertility
Patients may manifest one symptom or many symptoms; the severity likewise can range from mild to sever. Symptoms of myoma cannot be easily distinguishable from other gynecologic disorders. Therefore, it is highly advisable that women with any of the symptoms mentioned above should submit themselves for a gynecologic check-up. The success of an early diagnosis of myoma or any other related disorder is in the timely and effective management of the disease.
How is Myoma Treated?
The size and location, along with the symptoms, determine the course of treatment for the myomas. Most myomas are followed with routine annual follow-up visits with a healthcare professional. Medications can be added to monitoring to manage symptoms. Surgical management can be necessary in symptomatic or problematic myomas. Surgical procedures to remove myomas from the uterus include both open and laparoscopic (closed) myomectomy. Each of these surgical methods has been planned regarding the specific needs of the patient which increases the efficiency of the whole treatment process.
Laparoscopic Myomectomy Antalya
Medical science has progressed in such a manner so that conducting any procedure is both in comfort and precision. One such method that is considered to be modern, with a minimally invasive technique, is known as laparoscopic myomectomy.Due to patient variations, the patients are first assessed and they are advised to undergo a surgery that will suit their needs of the particular case.
Laparoscopic is a nonsurgical procedure that is carried out under general anesthesia, so that patients do not feel any pain. In smaller sized surgery, cuts made on the stomach are 1cm in width or slightly bigger. On the end of the laparoscope there is a camera, this way, the surgeon can see the uterus without having to make big incisions. This makes it possible to identify the myoma correctly and remove it without much time being wasted on recovery and with a small risk of developing an infection.
Open Myomectomy Procedure
It is done through an abdominal incision while the patient is under general surgical anaesthesia and the technique is usually advised when laparoscopic myomectomy is impossible — for instance, if the woman has several myomas or if they are large. In this process enhanced incisions of 7 to 10 centimeters are made to enable the surgeon to effectively ‘cut out’ the myomas from the uterus. After the myomas are removed, the small surgical cuts made to reach the myomas are sutured.
Duration of Myoma Surgery
Myoma surgery should take between one to two hours depending on complications and the patient.
Recovery After Myoma Surgery
After a myoma surgery, patients are often kept in hospital for 1-2 days. This enables healthcare providers to confirm their basic vital assessment and evaluate the surgery area. The vast majority of patients find that their rates of recovery are excellent and they return to their daily activities within 2 to 4 weeks.
Post-Operative Care
Women who have undergone myoma surgery should ensure they shower regularly and do not overexert themselves by participating in activities which could be strenuous for the determined time preferred by their doctors. One must also avoid any contact with the abdomen because when one receives a blow in this area, the pain is very unbearable. It is recommended that outpatients avoid facilities such as pools, spas, baths throughout the course of their treatment.
Estevitalya Antalya institutes myoma treatment based on the specific needs of each of our patients by keeping in mind recovery and easier life. To have further information about myomas, please do not hesitate to contact us and schedule an appointment.